Despite the economic climate, both in South Africa and globally, purchasing property remains a sound investment, provided you’re in it for the long run. The Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies examined homeownership as an effective means of building wealth. They found that homeowners still grow wealth faster than renters. They also emphasised the…

Wouldn’t it be great if there was no such thing as rush hour, and no need for a daily commute? You could walk to work because it’s close and safe enough to do so, and all you’d need to start your day, would be a good internet connection. A small minority of people can do…

“New Urbanism” is the contemporary version of the small towns of days gone by. It’s a trend that takes the best attributes of small towns and gives them a modern-day makeover. Old-fashioned elements, like the sense of community that comes from knowing your neighbours, are combined with the latest technology and eco-friendly ways of organising…

As the number of international visitors to South Africa grows‚ hotel room revenue is also expected to burgeon. This is according to PwC’s latest report on Africa’s hotel sector‚ which found that overall hotel room revenue in South Africa rose 4.6% to R16.6-billion in 2017 and will grow to R21.8-billion by 2022. Five-star hotels had…

The movement to make cities smarter is transforming municipal governments worldwide. But that’s only one side of the story. For companies, smart cities represent major business opportunities — and not only for tech firms selling systems to government agencies. Technology is reconfiguring traditional roles and divisions of labor. City governments don’t have to provide every…

Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s distinctive collection of passionately independent hotels, has welcomed five African Pride Hotels to its growing global portfolio, marking the debut of the brand in South Africa.

Muggings, petty theft, smash and grabs, home invasions – these are terms South Africans hear almost daily, whether in the news, neighbourhood chat groups or directly within their social circles. It’s understandable that questions about safety and security are top of mind when it comes to purchasing property. People want to feel safe – to…

While mixed-use precinct is the buzz-word of the day, the concept is not new, and some of the best examples date back three decades. Canary Wharf is a 40-hectare estate with 140 000m2 of office, retail and leisure space, and a working population of around 120 000 people. There are 37 office buildings and five…

The debate continues over how to make New York City’s streets less crowded, safer and better for people as well as cars. Some, like Gov. Andrew Cuomo, call for congestion pricing in Manhattan, although so far the New York State Legislature has not allowed that. Mayor Bill de Blasio and groups such as Transportation Alternatives…

There are two images most people conjure up when they hear the word “Africa”. And these could not be more polar opposite. The one consists of the poor, sickly emaciated child covered in flies in the middle of a refugee camp which in turn is in the middle of some horror civil war. Of course…